What Is the Golden Visa?
Spain's Golden Visa program grants residency permits to non-EU investors who purchase property worth at least €500,000. The program has been running since 2013 and remains one of Europe's most popular investor visa routes. It gives you the right to live and work in Spain, travel freely within the Schengen zone, and include your family in the application.
Key Requirements
- Minimum property investment of €500,000 per applicant
- The property must be free of any liens or encumbrances up to the €500,000 threshold
- You can combine multiple properties to reach the minimum
- Clean criminal record from your country of origin and Spain
- Valid health insurance covering Spain
- Proof of sufficient financial means beyond the investment
Step-by-Step Process
First, obtain your NIE number. This is mandatory before any property transaction in Spain. Next, open a Spanish bank account to handle the purchase funds. Then find and purchase your property. Your lawyer will handle the due diligence and ensure the property qualifies for the Golden Visa.
After completing the purchase at the notary, you apply for the Golden Visa at the relevant Spanish consulate or, if you are already in Spain on a valid visa, at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas. The initial visa is valid for one year, after which you can renew for two-year periods.
Costs Breakdown
Beyond the property price, budget for these additional costs:
- ITP (property transfer tax): 7% in Andalusia
- Notary fees: approximately 0.5% of purchase price
- Land registry: approximately 0.3%
- Lawyer fees: typically 1-1.5%
- Golden Visa application fee: approximately €1,100
Use our free calculator to estimate your total costs including all taxes and fees for your Golden Visa property purchase.
Timeline
The property purchase typically takes 6-12 weeks from offer to completion. The Golden Visa application takes an additional 20-60 business days. In total, expect 3-5 months from start to receiving your residence card.
Benefits and Limitations
You do not need to live in Spain to maintain the visa. One visit per renewal period is enough. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, you may apply for Spanish citizenship. However, the Netherlands does not allow dual nationality in most cases, so Dutch applicants should carefully consider this step.
Recent Changes
The Spanish government has discussed potential modifications to the Golden Visa program. Stay informed about current legislation before starting your application. The program remains active as of 2025, but conditions may change.